What is our vision for computing?
At Clough & Risegate Community Primary School, we believe a high-quality computing education equips all children with the skills and knowledge in computational thinking and creativity to help them to understand the world that they live in. We believe computing is a significant part of everyone’s lives and that children should be at the forefront of new technology to complement and enhance their learning and experiences in a broad and balanced way.
Computing has strong links to a variety of other subjects such as mathematics, science, design and technology and therefore we believe that, as an essential part of the curriculum, it is also integrated into all areas of learning where possible to enhance these skills and support them in becoming digitally literate citizens. We therefore provide a relevant, progressive and enjoyable curriculum, using the scheme set out by ‘Purple Mash’, for all pupils, as well as enhancing this further, and where we see fit, throughout the wider curriculum.
Computing as a stand-alone subject has a number of key components, each of which we aim to teach and fully instil the value of amongst our pupils. These are:
We also firmly believe the importance of delivering a high-quality E-Safety curriculum, alongside the core values of these three stands. E-safety is embedded throughout the computing curriculum and supports and consolidates the strong presence of E-safety within our PSHE curriculum.
As technology develops, so does the need for a better understanding of how to use it in a responsible manner. The education of E-safety is therefore essential, to ensure children are equipped with the skills to recognise risks online, to be critically aware of the materials and content they access online, along with guidance on how to accurately validate information accessed via the internet. As Teaching staff, we strive to support this alongside our Junior Online Safety Officers (JOSOs).
How do we plan to achieve our vision in computing?
Pupils participate in regular Computing lessons in order to achieve the intent of the Computing and E-safety curriculum at Clough & Risegate. In addition to stand-alone lessons, skills taught are incorporated into other subjects, given the cross- curricular nature of computing and the opportunities to expand and develop lessons that this brings. Lessons are delivered using a range of devices.
The delivery of computing and E-safety at Clough & Risegate is planned in line with the National Curriculum and allows for clear progression as children move through each stage of their education with us. Teachers use ‘Purple Mash’ as a scheme to support their planning and delivery, which caters for all children, including those with SEND and from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each year, children are taught the three main components of computing (Computer Science, Digital Literacy and Information Technology) This allows children to build on and progress from their previous experiences, developing their skills, vocabulary and understanding in order to be active, responsible digital participants.
We have also identified key skills that are required in order to access and achieve key objectives within the curriculum, which are closely monitored by the subject lead through termly tracking.
E-safety is referred to in every computing unit, in addition to discrete units taught at some point throughout the year. Our PSHE curriculum also contributes to our delivery of e-safety. We also have Junior Online Safety Officers to support the delivery of extra online safety sessions. Our E-safety lessons build on prior knowledge and are adapted/modified to suit the requirements of the pupils within the class and current issues that may be relevant.
We recognise the need to continually maintain, update and develop resources to ensure the effective delivery of the National Curriculum and support the use of technology throughout the school. This includes:
Lessons are planned to provide for and include all children, including those with SEND, higher achieving/gifted and talented pupils, pupils with EAL needs and pupils from all social and cultural backgrounds. Pupils without home access are supported and catered for accordingly.
In Key Stage One, children will learn to understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. They will be taught how to create and debug simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviours of simple programs. They will be shown how to use a range of technology purposefully to create, organise, store, retrieve and manipulate digital content as well as recognise common uses of technology beyond school.
They will be taught to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.
In Key Stage Two, the children will build on their knowledge and experience from Key Stage One and will design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals by decomposing them into smaller parts. They will use sequence, selection and repetition in programs, use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and correct errors in their own and existing programs.
Pupils will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. They will use search technologies effectively, learn to appreciate how results and selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content.
Pupils will be taught to select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to create a range of programs, systems and content that achieve given goals.
They will be taught to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and be clear how to identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact to keep themselves and others safe.
All pupils also take part annually in ‘Internet Safety Day’, following the suggested theme, which reflects current issues.
How do we know if we have been successful?
After each unit of work, teachers will make a judgement on whether pupils have met, exceeded or are working towards the objectives set. This will also provide information for the subject leader and will be submitted for analysis to track and monitor achievement and progress and the impact that this has had.
Evidence of progression and achievement will be seen in examples of pupils’ work stored on the server.
As a result of effective implementation, pupils will be able to apply their skills and knowledge in other areas of learning.
Pupils will be able to share their knowledge of how to be a responsible user of technology through discussion when questioned. They will be prepared for the next stage in their lives, knowing how to be a responsible user of technology in the wider world and most importantly, know where to seek support.
Pupils will be familiar with and will discuss their understanding of the three main strands and will know key vocabulary associated with these.
Confidence in this subject will also mean that pupils are able to be more independent and competent in life skills such as problem solving and logical thinking.
Unfortunately not the ones with chocolate chips.
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